Housing Access Navigator

SALARY

$33.14 per hour

This is a unionized position represented by Local 8 of the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU).

BENEFITS

We offer a comprehensive benefits package for Full-Time employees, including Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO, and 403(b) options. Additionally, employees have access to supplementary benefits such as the Employee Assistance Program, a subsidized ORCA pass, and more. This is a full-time position with benefits.

LOCATION

Seattle, WA (In-Person)

JOIN OUR MISSION TO END HOMELESSNESS

Plymouth Housing is a nonprofit organization that develops and operates permanent supportive housing for single adults who have experienced chronic homelessness. With apartment buildings throughout King County, we believe everyone deserves a safe home and the opportunity to thrive. That's why we provide long-term housing paired with on-site services that promote stability, health, and community. Our culture is rooted in dignity, respect, and shared responsibility: We practice hospitality, communicate with care, and collaborate across differences. We value lived experience, cultural responsiveness, and approaches grounded in harm reduction, trauma-informed practice, and resident choice. We look for people who are committed to safety, learning, and continuous improvement - and who bring steady, values-aligned service in moments that are complex or high-stress.

ABOUT THIS ROLE

The Housing Access Navigator supports individuals seeking housing in Plymouth's affordable housing portfolio by assisting with applications, eligibility screening, and coordination of move-ins. This role works directly with applicants experiencing homelessness, very low income, mental illness, and/or chemical dependency. The Navigator manages a high volume of paperwork, maintains accurate records, and provides timely communication to applicants, partner agencies, and internal teams. The position also responds to inquiries about housing programs, leasing procedures, and community resources.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Applicant Intake and Screening

• Assist applicants in completing housing and subsidy applications, including Low-Income Housing Tax Credit paperwork.
• Conduct intake interviews onsite and through outreach in shelters, hospitals, jails, and street locations.
• Screen applicants for eligibility, communicate decisions, and guide applicants through denial or appeal processes.
• Obtain and verify required documentation, including income and homelessness verification.
• Track pending applications, move-in coordination, and accommodation requests.

Referral and Resource Support

• Provide referrals to community services and maintain updated resource materials.
• Coordinate applicant referrals with external agencies and service providers.
• Prepare and present information for appeals when applicants submit requests following initial denials.

Communication and Relationship Management

• Respond promptly to applicant and partner agency inquiries via phone, email, and in person.
• Build effective relationships with applicants, residents, social service agencies, and internal teams.
• Use approved de-escalation techniques when interacting with distressed or upset applicants or residents.

Administrative and Compliance Support

• Maintain accurate records of all applicant interactions and eligibility documentation in the agency database.
• Support daily office operations including walk-in assistance, filing, copying, and processing mail.
• Ensure compliance with funding source requirements (e.g., HUD, City, State, LIHTC) and assist the Compliance Department as needed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ATTRIBUTES WE NEED FROM YOU

• Builds trust and works respectfully with people from many backgrounds and lived experiences, contributing to safe, welcoming housing communities where residents experience dignity, choice, and belonging.
• Uses self-awareness and humility to communicate effectively across differences, adapt approach, and treat people with fairness and respect.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and the ability to navigate customized databases.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage high volumes of paperwork accurately and efficiently.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to use sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and apply de-escalation techniques.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent combination of relevant work experience.
• Some college or experience in a housing or human services organization preferred.
• 1+ year of administrative or general office experience involving accurate data entry, detailed record keeping, and confidentiality.
• Experience working with people experiencing homelessness, mental illness, or chemical dependency in social services or housing environments. Customer service experience is also preferred.
• Bilingual candidates strongly encouraged to apply.

Join us and be a catalyst for positive change!

Plymouth Housing is an equal opportunity employer. We recruit, hire, train, and promote employees based on merit and business needs, and without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), age, marital status, physical, sensory, or mental disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.